Reviving Extinct Species: A New Frontier in AI and Conservation

The TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco spotlights revolutionary intersectional discussions at the Real World AI Stage, focusing on the ambitious goal of bringing extinct species back to life. - Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, participates in the dialogue, sharing insights from his company’s pioneering work in using AI and synthetic biology for de-extinction. - The session, titled "Can We Engineer Nature’s Comeback?", poses critical questions about the ethical and strategic implications of reviving extinct species and the role of AI in biodiversity. - Beyond de-extinction, the conversation delves into AI's transformative potential in fields like scientific research, conservation, and the wider implications for biodiversity and climate resilience. - Ben Lamm's experience in founding technology companies such as Hypergiant and Conversable underscores his leadership in tackling complex challenges through tech innovation. - The broader questions raised include evaluating if emerging technologies offer conservation breakthroughs or detract from protecting existing ecosystems.